**APRIL & MAY 2021 BREAST CANCER CHEMO**

Thanks, I'll give it a go

Hi Ruby I am really lucky as Harper my granddaughter,  and her mum live with me, so I get the early morning stomp of little feet coming to see nana every day.  Not always so good on my down days but still a little ray of sunshine.  

Funeral arranged and can now relax a bit.  Decided because of the easing of restrictions and my chemo programme on 18th May as we can then have a proper wake of close family with no worries about missing out people that really should be included.  

I am day 12 today and have another infection but thing this isn’t down to stress and fortunately had AB’s at the ready so should recover really quickly.  

Strength and positivity coming to you all.

Gwennie

Hi Gwennie,

Oh no that you have an infection, is it your throat? I hope it goes quickly with the Antibiotics. 

It must be a relief to have made the arrangements you need and know that you can have the family there. Having your grand daughter close must be a real comfort too, I’m glad you have some company. 

Ive been feeling really sad today but have managed to get some counselling through my work so I hope that will help me process everything. I’m tired too so an early night calling.

Hope you feel better soon

Ruby xx

Hi everyone.
Back home from chemo at lunchtime, there was a debate on lowering dose but eventually after lots of discussion and pharmacist involvement gave go ahead with the 80% dose agree by oncologist. No issues with infusion #5 so just wait for whatever shows up SE wise over next 7-10 days.
Hopefully get Covid vaccination on 13/14th May before last chemo as long as AZ comes back into stock. Was offered Pfizer jab instead if Gp made a clinical referral but they were not happy with that as no evidence yet to show that’s effective so fingers crossed for new stock on 10th! 
no problem getting it week 13 Gwenniepennie better late than never according to chemo team as has happened to several people. Good luck on Friday Crawler nearly there indeed

Denise x

Well done Denise,

Everything crossed for a smooth run over the next week or so. Take good care now

Ruby xx

Hi Ruby sorry you are feeling sad. Just to say i thimk counselling really helps. I have found with this you are so busy trying to give the impression of feeling ok when you are not its really good to be able to chat with someone and yes sob your heart out without anyone judging you.  Everyone saying be brave be positive is quite frankly exhausting. I have had a counsellor throughout treatment dont know what i would have done without her. Xx

Thanks Croissant,

I think you’re right. I’m still working and tonight I’m just exhausted. I don’t want to give up my job but I feel like I’m going to have to stop soon as it’s just too much - like you say making everyone think I’m ok all the time. I’m really glad it’s helped you, I think being able to properly and honestly talk to someone will be a relief. 

Ruby xx

I’m so sorry your feeling sad  

I have also had counselling throughout my treatment and it’s been so helpful and I am a part time working trauma counsellor! 

We need self care throughout this and someone to offload to outwith the family circle. I’ve found sone friends only want to say ‘be positive, stay strong’ and while I am most days some days I feel like it’s too much work to put on the front when SE are at their worst and want to say p... off. Look after yourself please, this is hard work having chemo! 
denise x

• Hi Ruby,

You’ve really done well to keep working! I think the effects of chemo must be cumulative as, although in some ways the SE were less, the tiredness persisted. I had about 2 days of a bit less than 24 hours sleep  it done me good though! I echo what everyone is saying about counselling. Mine seems to be in the pipeline but not here yet. 

Second D with P and T tomorrow. Oncologist appointment first. Think I’ll ask her some questions.

Bluebell xx

Good luck tomorrow Bluebell, I hope you get some answers. The tiredness sounds difficult, and I am planning to go on sick leave once I start my D, P and T rounds after my last EC next week. I’m glad to be working but some days it’s tough going and I feel like on my good days I’d like to not have to worry about work. 

Hiw have your skin and hands been? I’m starting to get sore skin and achy bones a bit this week so will need to ask about that.

Thinking of everyone getting treatment in the next couple of days.

Ruby xx